Toronto FC vs Los Angeles FC: Match Preview And Betting Odds

Notice! Actual odds are subject to change and are correct as displayed only at the time of publishing: 11:05 AM 31.08.2018.

Greg Vanney

The 2018 Major League Soccer campaign is drawing to a close and the race to secure one of the coveted playoff spots is heating up. With less than 10 regular season fixtures remaining, teams are starting to hit the panic button – Toronto are one of those sides in real danger of missing out on the postseason. As always, winning the MLS Cup is the main aim for every club but simply reaching the playoffs will qualify as an achievement for others.

Greg Vanney has opted to prioritise Toronto’s home fixtures over their road games; a brave call to say the least. The Canadian outfit have been one of Major League Soccer’s strongest teams in recent years but that hasn’t been the case in 2018 – Toronto have struggled to build momentum. Winning all five home matches will give Vanney’s side a chance but his risk will immediately backfire if Toronto fall short at BMO Field.

At the other end of the spectrum, we have Los Angeles FC. Led by former United States men’s national team boss Bob Bradley, LAFC are third in the Western Conference and a spot in the playoffs beckons. Another road win here will send out a statement of intent ahead of the business end of the season – at the very least LAFC will be looking to finish above LA Galaxy in their inaugural Major League Soccer campaign.

Match Odds

Sebastian Giovinco

Out at 21/20 with some bookmakers, Toronto are slight favourites to emerge victorious in this encounter. To be fair, it is do or die time for Vanney’s men and anything less than three points here will end their slim hopes of a playoff berth. Sebastian Giovinco will return to the Toronto line-up for this clash; and the Italian could give Toronto a much-needed lift ahead of what looks set to be a tricky affair.

Punters may fancy a draw here – 3/1 with 888sport for a share of the spoils could be the way to go. Toronto will need to go all out for the win whilst LAFC will be happy enough to take a draw; this could end up being attack vs defence in the second half. With that in mind, bettors should have a serious think about backing a frustrating draw this weekend.

LAFC are the better pick in terms of form over the course of the campaign and the 11/5 on offer at 10Bet is worth considering. BMO Field is an imposing venue and LAFC may crumble if put under intense pressure during the early exchanges. Nicknamed the Black and Gold, it wouldn’t be a huge surprise to see LAFC steal a result north of the border.

Goal Scorer Tips And Other Bets

We’ve got just one ‘other’ bet this weekend: over 3.5 goals. Punters should be snapping up the 11/10 available with Betway ahead of this clash – this should be an entertaining affair. The selection has landed in Toronto’s last three home games in all competitions whilst over 2.5 goals has landed in six of the last matches. BMO Field is the place to be for goals and this has all the makings of a modern classic.

Score Prediction

Goals, goals, goals – that is the way to go. Toronto need to win and supporters will expect Vanney’s side to leave everything on the field. LAFC are not exactly goal-shy themselves and that should make for an exciting, end-to-end encounter. Neutrals, sit back and relax; this could turn out to be one of the games of the season.